Understanding the relationship between self-compassion and body dissatisfaction

Abstract

Body dissatisfaction reflects a person's negative perceptions, thoughts, and feelings regarding their body. Two factors—(1) self-compassion, a positive attitude of self-acceptance despite flaws, and (2) gratitude, the capability to notice and appreciate the positive aspects of life—may help to reduce body dissatisfaction. The present research aimed to provide further evidence for the relationship between gratitude, self-compassion, and body dissatisfaction and test whether meditation focusing on self-compassion can reduce body dissatisfaction. Two online studies were conducted with samples of adult women recruited in the United Kingdom (N = 342 and 117). Study 1 found that self-compassion, but not gratitude, significantly predicted lower levels of body dissatisfaction. Study 2 found that participating in a 3-week meditation program—whether focused on self-compassion or relaxation—increased self-compassion over time and reduced body dissatisfaction. Taken together, the findings that regular meditation can bring positive outcomes to women with body dissatisfaction, regardless of the specific focus or content of the meditation.